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Real Madrid confirms Karim Benzema's departure from the club as a free agent after 14 years.
French striker Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid at the expiration of his current contract in June 2023 as confirmed by the club.
The club put out an official statement to announce Benzema's departure, bringing an end to the speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.
The 35-year-old talisman leaves the Spanish club having won 25 titles in 14 seasons at Real Madrid, including five European Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys and four Spanish Super Cups.
Karim Benzema leaves Real Madrid
Real Madrid put out an official statement announcing Benzema's departure from the club while also appreciating the Frenchman as a Los Blancos legend.
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Benzema leaves Real Madrid as the fifth-highest appearance maker with 647 games played in the famous white shirt behind only Sergio Ramos (671), Manolo Sanchis (710), Iker Casillas (725) and Raul Gonzalez (741).
He is also the club's second-highest scorer of all time with 353 goals, only Cristiano Ronaldo (450) scored more for Los Blancos.
The 35-year-old is the reigning best player in the world after winning the Ballon d'Or and UEFA Player of the Year in 2022, as well as being included in the FIFA FIFPRO Eleven and winning the Pichichi Trophy for his exploits to help Real Madrid to the league and Champions League double last season.
What next for Karim Benzema?
The Real Madrid statement gave no indication of Benzema's next move as he becomes a free agent from July 1, 2023 when his current contract expires.
However, the French striker has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after Al-Ittihad reportedly made him a lucrative offer of a €200 million yearly salary.
The huge Saudi Arabian offer is the reason Benzema has now put aside plans to renew his Real Madrid contract for an extra year and will reportedly sign for Al-Ittihad instead.
The game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium against Athletic Bilbao will be Benzema's 648th and final game for Real Madrid as the club closes out the season in La Liga's final matchday.
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